#WriterWednesday Interview with Mandy Eve-Barrett

I’d like to welcome Mandy Eve-Barrett to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Finding time to write around full time work, and other commitments.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Letting the words flow just like a movie in my head. I follow my characters lead, enjoying the unexpected twists, turns and surprising tangents.

Things you never want to run out of: Tea – I’m English it is an essential and vital part of everyday. (Black tea with milk – no other kinds. Not flavoured stuff.)

Things you wish you’d never bought: What I can only describe as ‘fake’ cheese – rubbery and bendy blocks in Canadian stores. (Sorry) It’s not cheese as I know it!

Favorite places you’ve been: Apart from home – England, I have a longing to go back to Rome. My soul connected to the place in such a profound way, I am certain I lived there in another life.

Places you never want to go to again: This is a hard question as I enjoy visiting and exploring new places. However, I would not want to revisit losing my father – it was the hardest thing I have ever endured – my heart literally broke into a thousand pieces.

Favorite books (or genre): Goodness, as I constantly read multiple genres, there is always a new favorite. However, I always buy the latest Stephen King as he is my hero. And I reread Ferney by James Long on quite a regular basis, as it is the quintessential reincarnation story.

Books you wouldn’t buy: Anything about politics.

People you’d like to invite to dinner (living): Stephen King, Viggo Mortensen, Diane Keaton, Dame Judi Dench, Michele Morrone and the Princess of Wales – Kate as we are both from Bucklebury.

People you’d cancel dinner on: Any and all politicians, Elon Musk, Kayne West, and any Kardashian.

Things that make you happy: Time with my grown kids, my writing friends and writing group, and my little rescue dog, Sammie. Exploring on road trips, walking in nature and holidays in England.

Things that drive you crazy: The fakeness of social media, many ’I am famous for being famous’ celebrities and self-serving politicians.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: The most ‘famous’ person, I have met is Princess Anne. Such a wonderfully down to earth woman. Also, on my list is Davy Jones (The Monkees), David Essex (UK pop singer), George Young, Baron Young of Cookham, Nigel Havers (actor), and Groot! Yep, the movie launch had characters in major cities, and he was in Edmonton. I ran down Whyte Avenue to cuddle him, much to my offspring’s embarrassment.

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: George Harrison (The Beatles) - much older than my teenage memories, but still a thrill.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I checked out every one of your books from the library.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: Several readers contacted me asking for a sequel to my fantasy series. I wrote it as a standalone – then found myself writing a sequel to make my readers happy. I am now in the midst of a prequel. Never say never!

Things you always put in your books: Strong, independent women and unexpected and unusual viewpoints.

Things you never put in your books: Child or animal abuse. Violence for the sake of it.

Favorite smell: There are several – Brut aftershave that reminds me of my Father, Obsession perfume by Calvin Klein ( I found it in my early twenties and have not worn any other perfume since), cut grass, ocean and mountain air.

Something that makes you hold your nose: Inner city smells. (a country girl at heart)

About Mandy:

Mandy Eve-Barnett is a multi-genre author writing children’s, YA and adult books. Every story has a basis of love, nature, magic and mystery. Her passion for writing emerged later in life and she is making up for lost time. With nine books published since 2011 and another five awaiting the editing process, she indulges her Muse in creative as well as freelance writing.  Mandy regularly blogs at http://www.mandyevebarnett.com, where she encourages, supports for networking for writers and readers alike.  She is also prolific on social media. Mandy is currently the Secretary of her local writers’ group, the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, she hosts the monthly meetings and creates weekly writing prompts for the website. She is past Secretary of the Alberta Authors Cooperative and past President of the Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County Council. Mandy Eve-Barnett lives her creative life to the fullest.

Let’s Be Social:

Twitter https://twitter.com/mandyevebarnett  

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Mandyevebarnettcom/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mandyevebarnett/

Freelance  https://tailoredthemedtosuit.wordpress.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-eve-barnett-58235250/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/mandywordsmith/

Blog https://mandyevebarnett.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/.../6477059.Mandy_Eve_Barnett...

Amazon author page:   https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MDUAS0V 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Mandy+Eve-Barnett

Publisher:  Dream Write Publishing. www.dreamwritepublishing.ca

When You Are Asked to Blurb Someone's Book - Tips for Authors

Authors (and publishers) like to have blurbs (endorsements) from other authors. Here are some tips to help you when someone asks you for one.

• Make sure you know all the requirements like the deadline.

• Look at the request and make sure it fits your brand. I don’t read some genres, and I wouldn’t be a good person to endorse something I don’t like or read regularly. I write humorous cozy mysteries. I wouldn’t blub a book with graphic violence or gore.

• I try to help other authors, but sometimes, the requests come at a bad time or there is very little time to create a good quote (or even read the book). I try my best, but there are some requests I have to decline because of other commitments.

• If I have the time, I try to provide two or three options. I also let the author know that I’m fine with whatever he/she chooses (and that he/she can use any of them in the other book promotions).

• Keep the quote short. Publishers often put these on the front or back covers. Don’t write a book report.

• Don’t include spoilers.

• If you receive an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) just know that it hasn’t been through all the rounds of editing.

• Proofread before submitting. (That sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at the ones you’ll receive with a typo or grammar issue.)

• If you need to decline, be as polite as possible. It’s an honor to be asked, and for some writers, it’s really hard to reach out and make a request. Be kind.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Liz Milliron

I’d like to welcome the fabulous Liz Milliron to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Marketing. No one knows what works.

Easiest thing about being a writer: There are easy things?

Things you never want to run out of: Dark chocolate or potato chips. It’s a toss-up.

Things you wish you’d never bought: An immersion blender. I thought it would be useful, but all it does it take up space.

Favorite foods: potato chips, tortilla chips with salsa, and dark chocolate

Things that make you want to gag: sashimi (raw fish, ‘nuff said)

Favorite beverage: iced tea

Something that gives you a sour face: tomato juice, just…no

Favorite smell: anything baking

Something that makes you hold your nose: my son has gotten into high-protein meals and, um, ugh

Last best thing you ate: dark chocolate-covered sponge candy (are we seeing a theme?)

Last thing you regret eating: Reheated pizza

The last thing you ordered online: glass doors for our bookcases

The last thing you regret buying: an in-ear Bluetooth headset that never quite worked

Things to say to an author: I love your last book!

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Have I heard of anything you’ve written?

Favorite places you’ve been: Puerto Rico

Places you never want to go to again: southern Illinois (bad ex-boyfriend memories)

Favorite books (or genre): I like most crime fiction

Books you wouldn’t buy: anything over 500 pages

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: Scuba diving to a 100-foot depth

Something you chickened out from doing: parasailing

About Liz:

Liz Milliron is the author of The Laurel Highlands Mysteries, set in the scenic Laurel highalnds and The Homefront Mysteries, set in Buffalo NY during the early years of World War II. She is a member of Pennwriters, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers and The Historical Novel Society. She is the current vice-president of the Pittsburgh chapter of Sisters in Crime and is on the National Board as the Education Liaison.  Liz splits her time between Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands, where she lives with her husband and a very spoiled retired-racer greyhound.

Let’s Be Social:

https://lizmilliron.com

https://facebookcom/LizMilliron

https://instagram.com/LizMilliron

www.lizmilliron.com

Get my newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/newsletteridyllic

Coming Soon

 The Truth We Hide (Homefront Mysteries #4) - “ Budding private investigator Betty Ahern takes on a new case that has her questioning her own belief system and prejudices in this charming, thought-provoking, and impeccably researched historical mystery set in World War II era Buffalo. This superbly crafted mystery provides the perfect entry point to Milliron’s Home Front Mysteries.” - Edwin Hill, author of The Secrets We Share

Now Available

 Lie Down with Dogs (The Laurel Highland Mysteries #5) - August 2022 - “Lie Down with Dogs is another fast-paced tightly-plotted mystery from Liz Milliron. Highly recommend!” - Bruce Robert Coffin, award-winning author of the Detective Byron Mysteries

The Lessons We Learn (Homefront Mysteries #3) - “ Intriguing, charming, and a delight to unravel…readers will truly enjoy Betty, the memorable, plucky, PI.” - L.A. Chandlar, award-winning author of The Art Deco Mystery Series

#WriterWednesday Interview with Mary Ann Miller

I’d like to welcome Mary Ann Miller to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

A few of my favorite things: Julie Andrews, ice tea with more lemon than tea, gardening.

Things I need to throw out: expired food in the pantry, old frying pans with no non-stick left.

Things I need for writing sessions: reading glasses, view out my window.

Things that hamper my writing: my husband, music with words because I end up humming along with the songs and not writing.

Things I love about writing: putting pen to paper. I’m very old-fashioned that way.

Things I hate about writing: all of the non-writing aspects. I am getting used to doing something with social media every day.

Favorite foods: strawberries, ice cream, fruit.

Food that makes me want to gag: sushi.

Favorite music: 60s and 70s.

Music that drives me crazy: music from another vehicle when my windows are rolled up.

Favorite smells: lilacs in the spring, sawdust, coffee (love the smell, hate the taste).

Something that makes me hold my nose: skunks, water treatment plant.

Something I wish I could do: fly an airplane.

Something I wish I’d never learn to do: housework.

Something I’d love to do: skydiving.

Something I wish I’d never done: slicing my thumb while doing the dishes. Ended having surgery and ten years later, I still can’t feel half of my right thumb.

Something I’d walk a mile for: ice cream.

Something I run screaming from the room: cooking, cleaning the refrigerator.

Favorite genre: mystery, thriller.

Books I wouldn’t buy: sci-fi.

Favorite things to do: watch sports on tv, sit by the pool and read.

Things I’d like to get out of: cooking, dentist.

Things that make me happy: my three baby granddaughters

Things that drive me crazy: mispronouncing words. Especially. It’s not ekspecially.

About Mary Ann:

Mary Ann Miller is a debut author, currently living in Florida with her husband, where she is working on the second novel in the series. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University and earned a paralegal certificate with Roosevelt University. Miller is a member of MWA, ITW, and Sisters in Crime and when not writing, can be found reading poolside or hosting family and friends fleeing the cold winters of the north.

Let’s Be Social:

https://www.instagram.com/maryannmillerauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/authormaryann/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/148508877-mary-ann-miller

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-ann-miller-3b2a2e74-c2d7-42be-b70d-6a2840a1de34

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-miller-084b56232/

https://www.amazon.com/Bones-Under-Jhonni-Laurent-Mystery-ebook/dp/B09X61VYY8/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bones-under-the-ice-mary-ann-miller/1141319822?ean=9781608095377

Asking for Blurbs - Tips for Writers

Authors (and publishers) like to have blurbs (recommendation quotes) from other authors. Sometimes, your publisher/publicist will help you acquire them. If they don’t, here are some tips to help you request them.

• Start with writers in your genre. It’s always good to have others in the industry blurb your book. It also helps if they read/write the type of book you do. They understand the conventions and the readers. (I wouldn’t ask a fantasy author to blurb a cozy mystery.)

• Seek out your published writer friends. My writing and critique group friends have been very generous with their time. You may find folks who share an agent or publisher with you who would be willing to trade blurbs.

• Don’t ask the same people to blurb each of the books in your series.

• Look at the book bloggers in your genre. They may be willing to give you a blurb if it’s the type of book that they recommend and read.

• Give those you are requesting to help you as much lead time as possible. Everyone is busy.

• Make it easy for the person. After they agree to send you a quote, send them an ARC (Advance Reader Copy). Also provide a short summary or synopsis of the book.

• Don’t be disappointed if you get a “no” or “not right now.” Again, everyone is busy.

• Think outside of the box. If there is an expert in a field related to your story, he or she may be a good option for an endorsement.

• After your book is published, collect the reviews in a document. Many publishers will ask for “praise for” quotes. These are often included inside of the other books in the series. You can also make graphics of the great ones to use on your social media sites.

• Always thank the person who takes the time to read your work and send you a quote.

Write Books and Cash Checks - Not Quite

When I was younger, I thought a writer was one who created books and cashed checks (and occasionally did a book signing). When the first contracts arrived, I realized, writing is a business, and you need to treat yours that way.

Guard Your Writing Time - Life gets in the way, and you have so many obligations. You need to schedule time for your writing and call it work. If it’s a hobby or entertainment, it’s not valued for what it is. When people ask what you’re doing, the answer is working.

Schedule Your Writing Time - Make sure you schedule some time (every day if possible) to write and to do research or marketing tasks. When it’s on the calendar and reserved, I tend to treat it like a scheduled, important event.

Brand Yourself - You are a writer. Make sure you have the tools to network. You need business cards and a website. Your tools should all have the same look and feel as your social media sites. Make sure your headshot is professional and is current.

Build Your Email List - Your email list is your list of contacts. Make sure you take a sign-up sheet to all of your events and put a registration form on your website. If your social media platforms go under or you get banned, you will have no way to contact all of those followers. Spend time cultivating your contact list.

Network - Writing is the solitary part, but you need contacts and the support of others. Join writers’ groups in your genre. Many have networking opportunities, classes, and opportunities to share information with other writers. Build your contacts. You never know when you’ll need an editor, cover designer, publicist, etc. Plus, other writers are awesome sources of advice.

Keep up with the Adminy Tasks - Writing is a business. (I’ve said that before.) Make sure you keep up with the details like filing receipts, tracking mileage and expenditures, and paying taxes.

Know That Your Time is Valuable - You can’t do it all. Figure out what tasks you can afford to hire others to help you to do. And this is a tough one, but you have to learn how to say no to things you just can’t do.

This is a tough business and a tough job, but it’s also so rewarding.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Deborah Doland Hunt

I’d like to welcome author Deborah Doland Hunt to the blog today for #ThisorThatThursday!

A few of your favorite things: I love puppies, dinosaurs, hiking, and the beach.

Things you need to throw out: Tablecloths and dishes. I have tons but hardly ever use them.

Things you need for your writing sessions: I need my laptop, notebook, pen, and coffee or herbal tea blend.

Things that hamper your writing: I am easily distracted so it could be anything but social media and texting.

Things you love about writing: I love sharing my books and passion for writing.

Things you hate about writing: I am somewhat impatient, so the waiting is the hardest part; waiting for an acceptance or rejection and then the time it takes for your book to be published.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Not being able to find a publisher who loves your story as much as you do.

Easiest thing about being a writer: I have tons of ideas so never really experience writer's block.

Things you never want to run out of: I never want to run out of ideas for new stories.

Things you wish you’d never bought: My porcelain collector dolls.

Favorite foods: I love shrimp and scallops and oranges.

Things that make you want to gag: I would have to say cottage cheese

Favorite music or song: I am very eclectic and like most types of music.

Music that drives you crazy: Although there are a few songs that I like in these genres I am not a big fan of the Blues or Heavy Metal.

Favorite beverage: I love my own blend of herbal teas.

Something that gives you a sour face: I would have to say lemon juice but I love the aroma and lemon that has been added to teas and other food.

Favorite smell: I love the smell of lavender and lilacs.

Something that makes you hold your nose: Fertilizer

Last best thing you ate: Swordfish

Last thing you regret eating: Way too many starburst fruit chews during a stressful time.

Favorite books (or genre): I love children’s books and mysteries.

Books you wouldn’t buy: I wouldn’t buy historical romance

Favorite things to do: Walking along the surf on Montauk.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Although I would love to go up in a hot air balloon, I know I would be petrified to actually do it.

Best thing you’ve ever done: Having children is the best thing I have ever done.

Biggest mistake: One of my biggest mistakes was signing book contracts without legal advice.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Henry Winkler

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Kelly Ripa is actually much smaller in person than she looks on television.

About Deborah:

 Bio Deborah Hunt is a writer and nursing professor and dean who lives in New York. She considers herself an eclectic writer as she writes in multiple genres. She has published several nursing books, award winning children’s books, and a self-care book. She writes every day and loves attending book events to share her books, journey as a writer, and passion for writing. She loves the beach, puppies, dinosaurs, mysteries, and books. She enjoys painting, gardening, hiking, and cooking and hopes to own a farm one day filled with rescue dogs, chickens, and baby goats. Her personal quote is

"May you always have a book to read and a story to hold in your heart." ~D. D. Hunt

 Let’s Be Social:

https://www.amazon.com/No-Dinosaurs-Allowed-Deborah-Hunt/dp/1956851518/ref=monarch_sideshee

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-dinosaurs-allowed-deborah-dolan-hunt/1139908708

https://twitter.com/debdoll25

https://www.facebook.com/deborah.ann.37

Instagram: Deborah Hunt Author

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Teresa Trent

I’d like to welcome author Teresa Trent to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

I’d like to welcome the fabulous Teresa Trent to the blog today for #ThisorThatThursday!

Things you need for your writing sessions: I need a quiet room. I might put on music, but when I’m really into it, it’s just me and all those people in my head.

Things that hamper your writing: If I’m stressed out over something new in my life, I have a hard time writing. For example, my son being in the hospital. I couldn’t write at all until we knew he was going to be okay, then I couldn’t stop writing. I guess I had bottled up on my writing urges.

Things you love about writing: I love to create characters, situations, ideal worlds. I love to write an outline and work my way through it.

Things you hate about writing: Hands down—editing. One of the methods I use for writing is dictation, especially when I’m on a roll. Unfortunately, dictation stinks when it comes to punctuation and using the right word.

Hardest thing about being a writer: For me it’s going through draft after draft after draft. By the end of the process, you really don’t want to read that book again.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Getting to play with storylines and of course, I love the flexibility of my work hours.

Things you never want to run out of: I’m weird. Chocolate, licorice, cottage cheese, coffee/tea.

Things you wish you’d never bought: The latest diet program I fell for on Facebook.

Favorite foods: Pizza, Lasagna, Tiger Roll, Chicken Lo Mein

Things that make you want to gag: Brussel Sprouts, Okra

Favorite music or song: I love New Age piano music. Think George Winston or Kevin Kern. It gives me a calm base to go about my day.

Music that drives you crazy: Heavy metal and rap. I gave birth with rap music playing in the birthing suite once. I don’t know put it on the tv but I distinctly remember someone saying to me “Push” and my reply was “Turn it off!”

Favorite smell: Roast beef cooking in the oven.

Something that makes you hold your nose: I went to college in Greeley, Colorado. The school was upwind of the stockyards. Nothing like rushing to class holding your nose.

Things you always put in your books: A moment between characters that makes me cry.

Things you never put in your books: The “F” word.

Things to say to an author: Where can I leave a review?

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: You know, I have a great idea for a book. You can write it for me and then I’ll collect the royalties! Okay?

Things that make you happy: Time with my family, reading, singing with my daughter, watching streaming tv with my husband.

Things that drive you crazy: People on the phone in traffic who don’t go when the light turns green. I’m in Houston and boy, howdy. It happens daily.

About Teresa:

Teresa Trent is the author of over 15 books. She started writing cozy mysteries with the Pecan Bayou and Piney Woods Mystery Series. She sets her stories in different geographical areas of Texas and The Swinging Sixties historical series is set just north of Dallas, starting in 1962. You might think with so many books set in the Lone Star state, she was born there, but no. She has lived all over the world, thanks to her father's career in the army. After living in Texas for twenty-five years, she's finally put down roots.

Teresa is a hybrid author, self-publishing early in her career, which led her to traditional publishing with Level Best Books and Camel Press. She is the author of several short stories that have appeared in a host of anthologies. Teresa publishes the blog and podcast, Books to the Ceiling at https://teresatrent.blog where she loves to read the book excerpts of other writers and share in the writing community.

Teresa is a member of Sisters in Crime and lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and son.

Let’s Be Social:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/teresatrentmysterywriter

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ttrent_cozymys

BLOG: https://teresatrent.blog/

WEBSITE: http://teresatrent.com

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5219581.Teresa_Trent

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/teresatrent_cozymys/

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/teresa-trent